Iona House - B & B

Our heritage trail begins at Grianan an Aileach - the ancient Temple of the Sun Christianised by St. Patrick. Founded by the Druids, this ring fort dates back to some 2000 years B.C. . The panoramic view from the walls of this ancient palace is truly magnificent, 7 counties can be seen on a clear day. The legends and history behind Grianan is interpreted at the Grianan Aileach Centre, 2km from the fort.

Onwards to Buncrana and the Tullyarvan Mill - a tastefully restored corn mill dating from the nineteenth century and today developed as a local craft centre and tourist amenity. Textile industry has long been a tradition in Buncrana and the museum recreates some 250 years of textile production. The Centre also houses aspects of flora and fauna that exists in Inishowen.

The coast road heading left at Buncrana leads to Dunree Head, here stands Fort Dunree constructed in 1798 by the English with the fear of Napoleonic invasion. This fort remained the property of the British until 3^rd October 1938 when the Union Jack was lowered for the last time and was handed over to the Irish Government. This fort is today the first and only permanent and professionally-designed military museum in Ireland.

East of the peninsula on the shores of Lough Foyle is Greencastle is one of Ireland's important fishing village boasting a long seafaring history, where the Inishowen Maritime Museum and Planetarium is located, the museum is housed in the old coastguard station overlooking the harbour, where the local history and seafaring traditions are interpreted through photographs, exhibitions, artefacts and models. Close by is the recently erected maritime memorial recording the names and dates of people lost at sea from the area.

Enjoy the trail.